The contribution of differential feature-cost analysis to the evaluation of computer-assisted career guidance systems

This paper benefitted from discussions with Pazit Mei-Raz and Micha Wartski.     

Holland's theory and effective use of computer-assisted career guidance systems

A variety of client characteristics, drawn primarily from John Holland's theory and constructs, were used to examine client reactions to using a computer-assisted career guidance system. The subjects were 206 individuals who sought assistance at a university-based career center. A regression analysis revealed that persons with higher Social and Enterprising scores rated the system lower on its ability to help them acquire self and occupational knowledge.Reprint requests should be directed to the senior author at the Career Center, R-28, 224 Bryan Hall, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1035.The Computer-Assisted Career Guidance Evaluation Form is available from the authors at the above address.     

Computer-assisted career guidance: Improving the design and use of systems

This paper presents and analyzes recommendations developed by system developers, policy makers, researchers/evaluators, and practitioners for improving the design and use of computer-assisted career guidance (CACG) systems.     

The field trial of a new computer-assisted career guidance system in South Africa

This paper describes the field test of a newly developed computerized career counselling system in South Africa. A randomly selected sample of black high school students (n=80) evaluated the system after completing the program at the University of the Western Cape. Evaluation data were collected through interviews and the Program Evaluation Questionnaire. This questionnaire consisted of a number of subscales measuring 1) user satisfaction with the experience, 2) the extent to which the system helped them acquire self and occupational knowledge and identified potential career alternatives, 3) whether they found interaction with the computer rewarding, and 4) the ease with which the system can be used. The Program Evaluation Questionnaire was found to be a reliable instrument (coefficients ranging from 0.54 to 0.84) and indicated that subjects evaluated the system positively in terms of these subscales. The interviews also indicated that subjects would recommend use of the program to others, that they would prefer the computer rather than the counsellor and that they felt that the program had an impact on their career plans.     

The effect of a computer-assisted career guidance program on secondary schools in Korea

This paper examines the effect of a computer-assisted career guidance program in South Korean secondary schools. The program used for this study was developed by one of the paper’s co-authors, Young-Hye Kim, based on Harrington & O’Shea’s Career Decision-Making system. MVS (My Vocational Situation) is used for pre-post test. The t-test results indicate that there are some meaningful differences between control and experimental groups on the 9th and the 11th graders in South Korea. There appeared to be gender and age influences on the degree of the effect.     

The effects of a career planning course and a computer-assisted career guidance program (SIGI PLUS) on undecided university students

This study examined the separate and combined effects of a career planning course and a computer-assisted career guidance system (SIGI PLUS) on undecided university students. Seventy first and second year university students were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups (career planning course only; career planning course and SIGI PLUS; SIGI PLUS only; wait-listed control group). Pre and posttest measures were administered and an analysis of covariance was conducted to determine differences among groups for each measure. Significant overall differences were found for each measure. Follow-up procedures revealed significant differences between specific career treatment groups and the control group. Implications for counselors are discussed.     

Striking the right note: the cultural preparedness approach to developing resonant career guidance programmes

Cultural preparedness is presented as a conceptual framework that could guide the development of culture-resonant interventions. The Jiva careers programme is presented as a case study to illustrate a method of career and livelihood planning based upon Indian epistemology and cultural practices. Social cognitive environments and career beliefs are discussed as key factors that characterise a group’s orientation to career development. An impact analysis is described. Traditional knowledge is highlighted as an important resource for constructing career guidance programmes to address the needs of clients from different cultural heritages.     

Raising the profile of career guidance: educational and vocational guidance practitioner

In 2007 the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG) launched the Educational and Vocational Guidance Practitioner credential (EVGP) as one means of formally acknowledging the knowledge, skills, and personal attributes that practitioners need in order to provide quality career development services to clients. This paper describes the foundational background to this initiative and some of the implications for training career practitioners and delivering career services.     

On the efficiency of career guidance

Specialist in educational and vocational guidance, designing courses to assist in guidance and decision-making, and the organization and development of guidance services. Inspector responsible for information and guidance in the Grenoble administrative area (Ministry of National Education) and, since 1988, Chief Inspector of Technical Education and Head of the Information and Guidance Service of the National Information Bureau on training courses an professions in Corsica. Member of several French and international bodies specializing in educational and vocational guidance.     

Career education and career guidance: Strategies for implementing career development

Dedmond is Supervisor, Career Education and Career Guidance, Virginia Department of Education.     

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Reading Recovery: a critique

This paper attempts to examine critically evaluation studies concerned with the implementation of Reading Recovery, an intensive individualised early intervention programme, by focusing on teacher, child and systemic change. Some conceptual and methodological shortcomings which have characterised many evaluations to date are discussed, together with ways in which these weaknesses could be redressed in future studies.     

Evaluating instructional software: A review and critique of current methods

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the key features of various methods that software evaluation organizations employ to evaluate instructional software. Who conducts the evaluations, the processes they use for doing so, and the software features they evaluate are among the topics that are discussed. Some of the problems associated with many of the evaluation methods are also described, as is an alternate method designed to overcome some of the identified problems. Special emphasis is placed on the role of students as participants in the evaluation process, and the benefits that may be derived from placing students in that role.